FG Spends N14.77bn on Presidential Jets in 11 Months, State House Report Reveals

The Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, allocated N14.77 billion for the repair and maintenance of the presidential air fleet over an 11-month period, according to a recent State House report.

Between July 16, 2023, and May 25, 2024, the funds were disbursed in 11 tranches via the State House’s ‘Presidential Air Fleet Transit Funds’. This expenditure comes as the National Assembly considers purchasing two new aircraft due to the aging and dysfunctional state of the current fleet, including a 19-year-old Boeing 737.

A report by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence highlighted the need for new aircraft, estimating costs at over $623.4 million (N918.7 billion). The committee emphasized the importance of a reliable fleet for national security and cost efficiency.

Despite significant spending, the unavailability of functional aircraft has led President Tinubu to charter private jets and forced Vice President Kashim Shettima to abandon international trips. On May 6, 2024, Shettima canceled his trip to the US-Africa Business Summit due to a technical fault with his aircraft. Meanwhile, Tinubu had to fly commercial to Saudi Arabia after his main jet required repairs, and a second aircraft experienced a technical issue in the Netherlands.

The presidential fleet currently consists of a Boeing 737, a Gulfstream G550, a Gulfstream GV, two Falcon 7Xs, a Challenger CL605, and six helicopters.

Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, N62.47 billion was spent on the presidential air fleet over eight years, despite promises to reduce its size. Budget allocations for the fleet fluctuated, peaking at N12.55 billion in 2021 and slightly decreasing to N8.07 billion in 2023.

GovSpend, a civic tech platform tracking government expenditure, confirmed Tinubu’s approval of N14.77 billion for fleet maintenance within his first year. Payments included N1.52 billion in July 2023, N3.1 billion in August, N1.26 billion in November, N2.54 billion in March 2024, N6.35 billion in April, and N1.27 billion in May.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, defended the need for new aircraft, citing the President’s safety and welfare as paramount. Opposition parties, however, have criticized the plan, with Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi calling it a “misplaced priority” amidst economic hardship.

The APC countered, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring the President’s safety, citing recent incidents involving outdated aircraft leading to fatalities among foreign leaders. The NNPP also opposed the timing of the purchase, pointing to the country’s economic challenges.

Aviation experts have offered mixed opinions. Dr. Kingsley Nwokeoma, President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, called for moderation in budgeting, while Mr. John Ojikutu supported the expenditure, deeming it reasonable for maintaining the fleet’s safety and functionality.